In March 2023, ITU-T published Supplement 74 to the Y.3800 series, “Standardization roadmap on quantum key distribution networks.” The document provided a comprehensive mapping of QKDN standardization activities across international standards bodies, including ITU-T, ETSI, ISO/IEC JTC 1, and others.
According to the supplement, ITU-T had been a pioneer in QKDN standardization, initiating work in 2018 and developing over 40 work items across four study groups. Standardization efforts were organized into four branches: Study Group 13 on network aspects, Study Group 17 on security aspects, Study Group 11 on high-layer protocols and signaling, and the recently concluded FG-QIT4N on broader quantum information technology implications.
Supplement 74 also cataloged ETSI ISG-QKD specifications (nine published by 2019), ISO/IEC JTC 1 SC27 work on QKD security evaluation, and other related efforts. The document identified standardization gaps and provided an outlook for future QKDN standardization priorities, serving as a reference for national and regional bodies planning their own quantum network standards activities.